Bunnies!

Those of you who follow me on facebook may remember my horrified response to PETA‘s discovery of the barbaric production of Angora in China. I am not normally one to spread bad news or to comment on what is in the press in general but I felt so passionately about this as someone who adores all animals, especially bunny rabbits and grew up with them as pets. Sorry to any of you who had nightmares after watching the horrendous, horrendous video footage!

The Peta video came to my attention back in mid December at which point I was making a rag dolly for my niece’s Christmas present which several of you may have spotted on my instagram. As I was sewing her up I had an idea of making toy bunnies in exchange for donations to Peta’s campaign against the production of angora. I used a bunny pattern from a Tilda book called Crafting Springtime gifts and scraps of cotton fabric left over from previous sewing projects. I popped a bunny on facebook and started to make them to my friend’s specifications, pink, blue, chocolate brown… For each handmade bunny I asked people to donate £12 directly to Peta and in the end the bunnies raised over £400!

I wasn’t actually going to share any of this here on the blog as it is not a happy subject and I like to try and keep this a positive little space on the internet. However, it did ultimately seem something worth sharing with all you fellow stitchers.

Sewing really helped me to challenge my feelings of despair and anger at how cruel this world can be sometimes and to do something very small to help stand up against such barbaric practises carried out in the name of fashion. It also occurred to me that anyone who sews their own wardrobe or who sews for others is doing this too. We are putting love and effort into hand crafted garments that we will likely look after and keep for years to come rather than only buying cheap throw away fashion. At the same time we are keeping a valuable skill alive in a country that has sadly outsourced nearly all of it’s clothing manufacturing and we are encouraging others around us to do the same by making sewing fashionable again. In a nutshell…GO US!

Plus I simply had to share the little bunny tails I made with you all. Teeny little pompoms! How cute are these?

I have taken a break from making any more bunnies as the time has come to get back to my other sewing projects. Should any of you wish to use the bunny idea to raise money for a cause close to your own heart then please do and let me know how you get on!

I was genuinely amazed at the positive response I got.

Happy stitching everyone and I’ll be back soon with some clothing related posts!

I understand how you feel about the horrors of this world – it can be overwhelming to see the terrible things that are done – on a continual basis – to less fortunate people and animals and environments. You are right though – the only thing that one can do is push back by whatever means available to us. Your bunnies are a perfect example. They are adorable. Well done you for raising some money and awareness.

Well done, they look gorgeous! Great idea, I am flat out sewing for DAys For Girls, washable sanity pad kits for girls all over the world that miss school every month because they don’t have appropriate protection. Go us!!!!!

I can’t even bear to watch the video but I do have a very good imagination unfortunately. It is awful what goes on in the fashion world. People generally just think of the use of real fur being cruel but I have read a report that Ugg boots are not ethical in the treatment of the animals providing the materials to make their boots (Ugg for ugly in more than one sense in my opinion) and I have heard the ‘faux fur’ used on many garments is a little suspect too.
I am really sorry I missed your bunny sale – I would definitely have ordered a couple – just shows I should go on FB more often. I’m glad to see you have found a good use for the ubiquitous pompoms – did you buy one of those pompom makers or do it the old fashioned way?Tialys recently posted…A Sock Selfie

You have done a fantastic job in raising awareness of this awful practice. As for your lovely fabric bunnies … I’m so smitten with them. Well done for finding such a brilliant way to raise money and make a pertinent point (loving the pom pom tails).

That was a really wonderful idea Ami – well done for raising so much money. I can’t bring myself to watch the video but can imagine how horrific it most likely is.
Your bunnies are all super cute – and I love their little pompom tails!Suzie recently posted…I think I may be in love…

What an inspiring post. Thank you so much for sharing this idea, and pictures of your little creations, all of which are simply dear. You have been one busy, dedicated and thoughtful lady!Karen recently posted…The Second Time Around

Awwww Ami I want to hug you. This is so brilliant. I have been so angry and distressed by this cruelty too, it’s beyond barbaric and so difficult to comprehend such pain goes into one meaningless jumper or cardigan. So sad. You’ve done something so brilliant here! Thank you from another massive animal lover.Clare Szabo recently posted…Blogbatical

I was horrified when I saw how angora bunnies are usually treated to get their hair, and I own one sweater that is part angora (shame!!). That will be the last one I own. I used to own bunnies as loved pets so finding the out was so saddening to me.
What a great thing for you to be doing, great cause.Katherine recently posted…Hollyburn Skirt

Oh my goodness, I love your bunnies, they are so gorgeous. I would totally buy one if you decide to make them again. So precious. I am a vegan so these are important issues for me as well. Well done for highlighting them to everyone and be proud of your believes, they are not negative!

Thank you Claire! Thinking of doing some little doggies next! They do require quite a bit of time though so need a little gap in my schedule to appear! amelialowden recently posted…Marlena | 1930s Skirt